Skip to content

California's SB 1327: A New Fee for Big Tech's Data Extraction

A new bill in California targets big tech's data practices. But will it help or hurt small businesses and consumers?

This is a paper. On this something is written.
This is a paper. On this something is written.

California's SB 1327: A New Fee for Big Tech's Data Extraction

California lawmakers have proposed a business bill, SB 1327, which aims to introduce a 'Data Extraction Mitigation Fee' for specific online platforms. The bill has sparked concern among small businesses and tech giants alike, with a coalition letter highlighting its potential impact on startups and digital advertising.

The bill, introduced by California legislators, targets major tech companies like Meta, Google, and Amazon, each generating over $2.5 billion in advertising revenue. These companies engage in data collection and digital bartering, practices that SB 1327 seeks to address with a new fee.

Critics argue that the bill does not tackle the root causes of local journalism disruption and may hinder small business growth. It exempts news media, including TV, radio, and web content, potentially benefiting large broadcasting conglomerates and hedge funds. Furthermore, it does not apply to data brokers, leaving consumers with little control over their data collection practices.

The bill could have significant implications for small businesses. It may increase consumer prices or draw attention to irrelevant ads, potentially discouraging business in California and beyond. This could harm startups and entrepreneurship in the state, with 85% of startups utilizing digital advertising software.

SB 1327, if passed, could reshape the digital advertising landscape in California. While it targets large tech companies, its impact on small businesses and consumers remains a point of concern. The bill's final form and implications are yet to be seen.

Read also:

Latest